How Will Ubiquitous Networks Change the Way We Work?

Whilst Windows Mobile (and to a lesser extent Palm and Symbian) users have got used to having ubiquitous networked computing, PC users are just getting used to the concept.

This is about more than just plugging a 3G modem into your laptop. After all how many people actually have their laptop with them 24/7? However as PCs are getting smaller and more pocketable its becoming more and more likely that we'll have them with us and be able to connect to our networks from more and more remote locations.

Machines like the OQO e2, the WiBrain and Sony UX series are all small enough to fit into a pocket and can use Wifi or 3G (internal or USB) to get online. The ASUS EeePC is only slightly larger and adds a usable keyboard and trackpad to the mix.

What this means is that paired with VPN Connectivity we are approaching a point when we can be available to work from pretty much anywhere and at anytime.

Which doesn't sound particularly appetising.

Except that the alternate is also true. Bring able to work anytime, anywhere means that we no longer have to be available to work nine to five in an office. For knowledge workers this can be liberating. For businesses which have family friendly HR policies its a godsend and more than that can be a potential route for huge savings on accomodation budgets.

As a business its time to start looking at the way your staff work and how you can best manage the how, where and when they work. It you aren't then be aware that your competition probably will be.